Trat Airport – The Ultimate Travellers Guide

If you are considering flying to Trat, you’re in luck. In this post I’ll share everything you need to know about Trat Airport and a whole lot more.

Chocks away…

Trat Airport (IATA code TDX) is a small, privately-owned airport located in Trat province, Thailand.

It serves as the main gateway for travellers visiting the nearby islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood and Koh Mak rather than Trat city itself which is located 22 km or a 30 minute drive away.

Airlines and Flights

Bangkok Airways is the only airline operating flights to and from Trat Airport. They offer four daily flights between Trat and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). The flight time is approximately 40 minutes.

During low season (late March to late October), the flight schedule is as follows:

The high season schedule (late October to late March) has slightly different arrival and departure times in addition to more flights.

Trat Airport Facilities

Despite its small size, the airport offers basic amenities such as a cafe, coffee shop, ATM, transfer desk, and toilets. Free snacks, drinks, and Wi-Fi are provided in the departure area.

The airport is undergoing expansion, with plans to extend the runway to accommodate larger aircraft and construct a new terminal building by 2027.

How Much is a Bangkok Trat Flight?

One-way flights from Bangkok to Trat can be found for as low as 1,650THB.

Round-trip flights between Bangkok and Trat start at around 3,200THB.

Why is Trat Airport known as the Island Gateway?

Flying from Bangkok to Trat is the quickest way to escape the city and get lost in nature.

Trat Airport is known as the “Island Gateway” because it serves as the main air transport hub for travelers visiting the nearby islands of Koh Chang, Koh Kood, and Koh Mak in eastern Thailand.

Here are the three main reasons why Trat Airport is considered the gateway to these islands:

Proximity to island ferry piers

• Trat Airport is conveniently located just 15-20 km from the ferry piers for Koh Chang
• It’s 25 km from the pier for speedboats to Koh Mak
• And around 60 km from Laem Sok pier for ferries to Koh Kood

Only airport with direct flights to the islands

Bangkok Airways operates up to 4 daily flights between Trat Airport and Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport

These are the only direct scheduled flights serving the islands, making Trat Airport the main air gateway

Dedicated airport for island transfers

Trat Airport is privately owned by Bangkok Airways specifically to service the nearby islands

Airport design, facilities and transportation services cater to island-bound tourists

Getting to the Islands

Trat Airport is conveniently located near the ferry piers and speedboat landings for the surrounding islands:

• Koh Chang: 15-20 km from Ao Thammachat (timetable) and Centerpoint pier (timetable)
• Koh Mak: 25 km from Krom Luang pier
• Koh Kood: 60 km from Laem Sok pier

Private transfers and shared minibuses are available to take passengers directly to their accommodations on the islands.

What are the Best Transportation Options from Trat Airport to Koh Chang?

Here are the best transportation options from provincial airport to Koh Chang:

Shared Minibus

This is one of the most convenient and popular options. The shared minibus service is operated by companies like Krungthep Limousine and Koh Chang Transport.

• One-way ticket costs around 650-800 THB per person, including ferry ticket
• Minibuses run according to flight schedules, picking up and dropping off at hotels on Koh Chang’s west coast
• Total travel time is around 2-2.5 hours from airport to hotel
• Can book tickets online in advance or at airport upon arrival

Private Transfer

For a more direct door-to-door option, you can book a private transfer:

• Prices start around 1,950 THB for a car (2 adults) or 2,300 THB for a minivan (4 adults), including ferry tickets
• Driver meets you at arrivals with a name sign
• Direct transfer to your resort, no stops
• Child seats available upon request

Songthaew (Shared Pickup Truck)

The cheapest but less comfortable option is to take a songthaew (shared pickup truck taxi):

• Cost is around 280 THB per person to Ao Thammachat ferry pier, including ferry ticket
• Then take another songthaew from pier to your hotel (50-200 THB per person depending on distance)
• Total cost is around 330-480 THB per person
• Songthaews wait outside the airport terminal for passengers

The shared minibus and private transfers are more convenient as they provide direct transportation all the way to your hotel. The songthaew is cheaper but requires changing vehicles at the pier.

How Much Does a Private Transfer from Trat Airport to Koh Chang Cost?

The cost for a private transfer from Trat Airport to Koh Chang ranges from:

• 1,900 THB for a sedan (1-2 people)
• 2,100 THB for an SUV (1-4 people)
• 2,300 THB for a minibus (1-7 people)
• 4,600 THB for a car/van (2 people)
• 5,100 THB for a van (3-4 people)

The prices to and from the airport in Trat are specifically for private transfers that include the ferry tickets to Koh Chang island. However, do your own due diligence and confirm what is included before you agree on the price.

Take the Hassle Out of Flying With an Airport Lounge Priority Pass

Nearby Accommodations

While most travellers prefer to head straight to the islands, there are a few accommodation options near Trat Airport, such as Sleep Soundly by the Sea resort, which is about 10 minutes away.

Are you looking for land for sale near close to Au Tan Beach and Trat Airport? Discover more here.

If you have time to explore Trat city and the surrounding countryside, there is plenty of accommodation available from cheap hostels to luxurious resorts and spas.

In Summary

Thailand’s Trat Airport is a convenient and scenic entry point for those visiting any of the fifty two beautiful, tropical islands of Trat province.

With its small-scale charm and Bangkok Airways’ excellent service, it offers a relaxed start to your island getaway.

Trat Airport – The Ultimate Travellers Guide